Design Review Committee (In-Person) (Jan 15, 2026)

Design Review Committee Meeting Recap: January 15, 2026

The City of Asheville Design Review Committee (DRC) met on January 15, 2026, to conduct an informal design review of a proposed development at 50 Coxe Avenue. The committee’s primary role is to perform design reviews for projects within downtown, the riverfront, and hotel overlay zoning districts. While the review process is mandatory, compliance with the committee’s recommendations is voluntary, except for hotels which require a positive recommendation for a streamlined approval pathway.

Key Decisions The only formal vote taken during the meeting was the approval of the minutes from the December 18, 2025, meeting. The motion passed unanimously with a 9-0 vote. No formal motion was made regarding the 50 Coxe Avenue project, as it was reviewed informally.

Discussion Highlights The bulk of the meeting focused on the proposed 200-unit apartment complex at 50 Coxe Avenue, which includes 138 parking spaces and is planned for downtown Asheville. Sam Starbaum, representing planning and urban design staff, provided background on the project’s history. Paul Kunz and Matt Card from Bolton & Mank, representing the development team (Harmony Housing and Buncombe County), presented detailed plans. Key points of discussion included:

• Affordability and Design: All 200 units are designated as affordable at 80% Area Median Income (AMI) or less. The design features a playground green roof, retail space, a community club room, and townhomes along Sawyer Street. The project involves a right-of-way closure on Sawyer Street.
• Sustainability and Stormwater: The committee inquired about sustainability goals. The presentation highlighted efforts to reduce impervious surface area by 3,000–4,000 square feet, incorporate a green roof, and utilize energy-efficient appliances and lighting. The committee encouraged the design team to incorporate stormwater management features, potentially utilizing the green roof for water quality and quantity control.
• Public Access and Alleyway: Significant discussion centered on the alleyway adjacent to the development. Concerns were raised about maintaining public access and creating a pedestrian-friendly space, with suggestions for permeable pavers and enhanced landscaping.
• Building Encroachment and Corner Activation: Members expressed concern about the proximity of the new building to the historic Oddfellows Building and potential impacts on access. The committee emphasized the importance of activating the corner of Cox and Sawyer, encouraging a more engaging design than just landscaping.
• Bike Storage and Accessibility: The committee discussed the need for adequate bike storage, including secure internal storage and external racks. Concerns were also raised regarding the accessibility of the building, particularly the stairwell design and ensuring a welcoming pedestrian experience on the steep slope.
• Architectural Style and Public Art: Committee members expressed a desire for the building to reflect Asheville’s character, encouraging innovative design elements and discouraging generic materials like fiber cement siding. Regarding the planned public art installation, the committee encouraged consideration of diverse artistic mediums beyond murals.

Follow-ups The transcript summary lists several action items for the design team (Bolton & Mank/Harmony Housing) and the County, but does not explicitly state that a committee member or staff member agreed to these tasks on behalf of the body. The listed items include coordinating with the property owner regarding the alleyway, exploring permeable pavers, developing plaza lighting plans, detailing bike storage, integrating stormwater management into the green roof, considering alternative siding materials, addressing proximity to the Oddfellows Building, refining the corner design, addressing accessibility concerns, developing a public art plan, and clarifying the timeline for the formal review. The County is noted to continue discussions with the property owner regarding the alleyway.

Impact This informal review provides early feedback on a significant 251,000-square-foot residential development in downtown Asheville. The discussions highlight the committee’s focus on ensuring the project integrates with the historic streetscape, maintains public access to the alleyway, and addresses accessibility and sustainability challenges posed by the site’s topography. The design team is expected to address these concerns before the formal review.